Alexander Isak is no longer a Newcastle United player, having forced through a move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day.
It was confirmed on Monday evening that Isak has joined Liverpool, completing a British record move to Merseyside worth £125million.
Newcastle United have doubled their money, with the deal massively enhancing their PSR position. However, that does not tell the whole story. Newcastle’s statement on Isak was short and certainly not sweet, bruised by the actions of a player who was held in such high regard on Tyneside.
There was an attempt by the Newcastle United owners for Isak to reverse his decision, but their efforts were in vain.
That is despite what Jamie Reuben and PIF proposed when they visited Isak on the day of Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool.
Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League
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Newcastle United tried to get Alexander Isak to return to training last week
On Monday 25th August, Newcastle played Liverpool in the Premier League in front of Toon chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
Earlier that day, Toon co-owner Jamie Reuben and a PIF delegation visited Isak at his home to discuss his future.
According to the Telegraph, Isak was asked to spend one more season with Newcastle United and return to first-team training that week.
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In return, the Telegraph state that Isak would have been given a new contract that included a release clause.
That release clause would have made it very easy for him to leave the club in 2026. However, the Magpies’ proposal was turned down.
That was the moment that Newcastle decided to sell Isak, with a deal going through seven days later.
PIF buckled under Alexander Isak’s pressure for the better of Newcastle United
It seems wrong that after everything he did, he got his wish. Isak wanted to join Liverpool, despite the Magpies’ insistence that he was going nowhere.
PIF wanted to keep Isak at St James’ Park. He had a £150million price tag, as they attempted to fend off any potential suitors.
In the end, Newcastle sold Isak for £25million less than they wanted. You could argue that the Newcastle owners look weak, having set a dangerous precedent for any other player who wants a move away from Tyneside.
However, it was decided that Isak needed to leave for the better of the club. He was a toxic presence, and keeping him could have caused further problems down the line.
Instead, Newcastle opted to cut their losses and prepare for Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa to lead the line. They will become Toon heroes as soon as they hit the back of the net in black and white, as fans move on from Isak’s disgrace.